Sea‑Dweller 116610 replica

Following the complete upgrade of the Daytona at the end of March, last evening Rolex unveiled a new Daytona, the reference 126529LN, to mark the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Rolex and the 24 Hours of Le Mans have a long history together. In 1992, Rolex became the title sponsor, and in 2001 it became the official timing partner of the event. The winner of the event will also receive a Daytona with an engraving on the back of the case.

The new model released this time, 126529LN, has a retail price of 49,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to 386,000 yuan. Guess how much it will be in the market. 70? 80? 90? Over a hundred?

1. Diameter 40 mm, thickness 12.2 mm, white gold case; the case shape is the new Daytona shape, and the bezel has a white gold frame.
2. The numeral scale on the bezel: the red 100 is ceramic, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the event. The rest is PVD platinum.
3. Compared to the batch that was shown at the exhibition, the most noticeable feature is the subdial.
4. Through the case back, the movement is 4132. 4132 is the 24-hour timer version of 4131, and there is no other difference. 4131 can be simply understood as a clear version of 4130.

First, it’s Paul Newman. This type of dial, introduced in the mid-1960s, was originally known as exotic dials, referring to the small square at the end of the hour marker inside the small subdial. Initially, these dials were not popular, and many people tried to replace them with the original dials. It wasn’t until Hollywood star Paul Newman wore it on a magazine cover that it became popular.

Second, take a close look at the small disc at 9 o’clock on the watch. The regular Daytona has a 12-hour timer, while the new model has a 24-hour timer, which also reflects the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Even more interesting: the 126529LN is Rolex‘s first platinum model with a ceramic ring. Does this mean that Rolex won’t have a new product update after the discontinuation of the Green Gold Daytona, and will it also include ceramic rings in the future?